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UPSC Prelims 1986 · Indian Geography · Monsoon and Climate

The areas in India that receive approximately an average of more than 200 cm of rainfall annually are

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Answer: (a) Meghalaya, Assam, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh

Meghalaya, Assam, Nagaland and Arunachal all get 200 cm+ on average.

The idea

High rainfall belts form where moisture supply combines with strong uplift. The north-eastern hills intercept moist air from the Bay of Bengal, while the western Ghats intercept Arabian Sea winds. State boundaries do not define rainfall boundaries, so a broad wet belt still contains drier local areas.

Moist Bay winds enter the north-east → Hills and valleys channel the flow → Air is forced upward → Rising air cools → Clouds form → Heavy rain supports humid forests

Why the others are wrong

(b) Gujarat and MP get far less.

(c) Rajasthan and J&K are dry.

(d) Delhi, Punjab and Rajasthan are dry.

Also know

The southern Khasi escarpment is especially wet, while valleys and sheltered slopes can differ. Windward Western Ghats and Andaman–Nicobar also have very wet settings. Evergreen forest depends on both abundant rain and a short dry season, not just one heavy storm.

🔒 200 cm+ zones: Western Ghats west slopes, NE hills, A&N.

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